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EP3257117B1 - Crimping machine - Google Patents

Crimping machine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3257117B1
EP3257117B1 EP16703531.0A EP16703531A EP3257117B1 EP 3257117 B1 EP3257117 B1 EP 3257117B1 EP 16703531 A EP16703531 A EP 16703531A EP 3257117 B1 EP3257117 B1 EP 3257117B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
crimping
crimping machine
machine according
contact element
centering
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP16703531.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3257117A1 (en
Inventor
Christoph Fröhlich
Steffen HARTINGER
Hans LEUPOLZ
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Zoller and Froehlich GmbH
Original Assignee
Zoller and Froehlich GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Zoller and Froehlich GmbH filed Critical Zoller and Froehlich GmbH
Publication of EP3257117A1 publication Critical patent/EP3257117A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3257117B1 publication Critical patent/EP3257117B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R43/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
    • H01R43/04—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for forming connections by deformation, e.g. crimping tool
    • H01R43/048—Crimping apparatus or processes
    • H01R43/055—Crimping apparatus or processes with contact member feeding mechanism
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R43/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
    • H01R43/04—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for forming connections by deformation, e.g. crimping tool
    • H01R43/048—Crimping apparatus or processes
    • H01R43/0488—Crimping apparatus or processes with crimp height adjusting means
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R43/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
    • H01R43/04—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for forming connections by deformation, e.g. crimping tool
    • H01R43/048—Crimping apparatus or processes
    • H01R43/05—Crimping apparatus or processes with wire-insulation stripping
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B23Q—DETAILS, COMPONENTS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR MACHINE TOOLS, e.g. ARRANGEMENTS FOR COPYING OR CONTROLLING; MACHINE TOOLS IN GENERAL CHARACTERISED BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF PARTICULAR DETAILS OR COMPONENTS; COMBINATIONS OR ASSOCIATIONS OF METAL-WORKING MACHINES, NOT DIRECTED TO A PARTICULAR RESULT
    • B23Q3/00—Devices holding, supporting, or positioning work or tools, of a kind normally removable from the machine
    • B23Q3/155—Arrangements for automatic insertion or removal of tools, e.g. combined with manual handling
    • B23Q3/1556—Arrangements for automatic insertion or removal of tools, e.g. combined with manual handling of non-rotary tools
    • B23Q3/15573—Arrangements for automatic insertion or removal of tools, e.g. combined with manual handling of non-rotary tools the tool being taken from a storage device and transferred to a tool holder by means of transfer devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K13/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing or adjusting assemblages of electric components
    • H05K13/04—Mounting of components, e.g. of leadless components
    • H05K13/043—Feeding one by one by other means than belts
    • H05K13/0434—Feeding one by one by other means than belts with containers

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a crimping machine according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • Such a crimping machine is for example from the patent DE 44 40 835 C1 known to the applicant and used, for example, to press ferrules with a stripped cable end.
  • these wire end sleeves are rolled up as a belt on a drum magazine and conveyed by the latter to a crimping head via a transport unit.
  • the wire end sleeves or contact elements can also be accommodated individually in a memory and then conveyed to the crimping head in a defined position via a suitable feed device.
  • a feed device is for example in the DE 198 31 588 A1 described.
  • the wire end sleeve to be crimped is placed on the stripped cable end by means of a holding unit and then pressed over the crimping head.
  • the cable end can be stripped either externally or via a stripping head integrated in the crimping machine.
  • the crimping machine is converted for pressing different cable cross-sections and / or contact elements (wire end sleeves), or several crimping machines are used intended for processing the different cable cross-sections / contact elements.
  • the first-mentioned solution requires long set-up times and considerable personnel expenditure. This disadvantage is overcome in the latter solution with a large number of crimping machines - but the investment costs are considerable.
  • the invention has for its object to provide a crimping machine that enables flexible manufacture with a comparatively simple structure.
  • the crimping machine is provided for pressing contact elements with an end section of a conductor, for example a cable end, and has a storage device for the contact elements and a transport device for feeding the contact elements from the storage device to a crimping head.
  • the memory arrangement has at least two, preferably five memories with different contact elements, a common transport device for transporting the contact element from a transfer position to the crimping head being assigned to these memories.
  • a suitable control of the transport device can then be used to supply the crimp head with a contact element provided for the respective production step, which is then crimped with the conductor aligned with a centering device with reference to the crimp head.
  • Such a crimping machine enables extremely flexible processing of the components without requiring significant investment costs or set-up times.
  • the contact elements are transported from each storage device to the transfer position via a suitable conveyor unit, the basic structure of which is known, for example, from the prior art described above.
  • a number of conveying units corresponding to the number of stores is provided for transporting the wire end sleeves into the transfer position.
  • the transport unit has a shuttle for taking over the contact element located in the transfer position and for transporting it to a crimping position.
  • the shuttle has at least one gripper, which preferably engages the contact element transversely to the longitudinal axis of the contact element. This gripper can then grip the contact element in the transfer position and convey it to the crimping head.
  • the shuttle is designed according to the invention with two grippers arranged in parallel, one gripper taking over the contact element located in the transfer position and the second gripper gripping a contact element to be pressed in a subsequent operation.
  • two grippers arranged in parallel, one gripper taking over the contact element located in the transfer position and the second gripper gripping a contact element to be pressed in a subsequent operation.
  • the grippers can be moved along a guide, so that the grippers can be moved in one plane from the transfer position to the crimping position. This is preferably a vertical plane with reference to the base of the crimping machine.
  • the structure of the crimping machine is particularly simple if the contact elements are each arranged as a belt on a drum magazine. Drum magazines of this type can be changed very easily, so that the set-up times are further reduced. Furthermore, the positional orientation given by the webbing simplifies the subsequent processing of the contact elements.
  • a cutting device can be provided for separating the contact element located in the transfer position from the webbing.
  • such a cutting device has a number of cutting knives corresponding to the number of memories, although only the cutting knife that is assigned to the contact element located in the transfer position comes into active engagement.
  • the centering device for centering the conductor with respect to the crimping position has a plurality of centering openings in one embodiment. By moving this centering guide, that centering opening which is assigned to the conductor cross section to be processed can be aligned with respect to the crimping position.
  • the centering device has two centering jaws which can be moved up to remove the pressed product.
  • a very compact structure of the crimping machine can be realized if the respective transfer positions of the transport units are arranged one above the other, so that the gripper can be moved between the transport planes and the separating device transversely to it, i. that is, can be moved parallel to the axis of the crimping head and / or the centering device.
  • the operational safety of the crimping machine can be improved if it is provided with a cover and has a safety circuit which interrupts the energy supply if the cover is opened unintentionally.
  • it is designed with a set-up circuit that enables the crimping machine to function when the protective hood is open.
  • the degree of automation can be increased if the contact elements are fed via a suitable feed unit, for example a handling device or the like.
  • the transport unit can be controlled in such a way that it takes over a specific contact element located in a transfer position and moves it to the crimping position.
  • the crimping machine is preferably programmed via a control panel.
  • This control panel can be detachably held on a housing of the crimping machine to improve ease of use.
  • Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional front view of a crimping machine 1, with which five different ferrules or other contact elements can be processed.
  • the crimping machine 1 for processing wire end sleeves for different cable cross sections is described.
  • the wire end sleeves are provided as a webbing.
  • These belt straps are wound onto a total of five drum magazines 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2 e and rotatably mounted on a magazine holder 4 of the crimping machine.
  • the transport units 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction, so that the associated guide tracks 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e also open out in these superimposed planes.
  • the magazine holder 4, the mentioned guideways 6 and the conveyor units 8 are held on a frame of the crimping machine 1.
  • the other functional elements of the crimping machine 1 are enclosed by a multi-part housing 10.
  • the programming and input of the production parameters for the control unit likewise accommodated in the housing 10 takes place via an operating panel 12, which is either integrated into the housing 10 or, as in the present case, is held detachably on the housing 10.
  • Visible in the representation according to the Figures 1 and 2nd is furthermore a lock 14 for switching the crimping machine 1 on and off and for setting a set-up mode which enables the crimping machine 1 to be operated even when a cover 16 indicated by dash-dotted lines is required for operational safety.
  • a cover 16 indicated by dash-dotted lines is required for operational safety.
  • the set-up mode described above which is an operation of the crimping machine, can then be set for setting / changing 1 also possible with the cover open. However, this change can only be made for a certain group of people.
  • an insertion opening 20 is provided for the cable end, which is to be crimped with the ferrule in the transfer position.
  • the centering device 22 arranged behind the insertion opening 20 becomes visible, which, as will be explained later, is shown Figure 5 is explained in the vertical direction (view according to Figure 3 ) can be moved so that it can be positioned in relation to a crimping position.
  • This centering device 22 serves to center the supplied cable end with reference to this crimping position.
  • a specific wire end sleeve is brought into a transfer position by means of appropriate control of the control unit (not shown) via the conveyor units 8a to 8e and then separated from the belt strap by means of a cutting knife, which will be explained in more detail below.
  • the ferrule in question is held by a shuttle 24 and then in the vertical direction Move crimp position.
  • the centering device 22 is aligned with respect to this crimping position, so that the stripped cable end can be inserted into the wire end sleeve held by the shuttle 24 or another gripper.
  • a crimping head 26 is then activated in order to crimp the ferrule and the cable end together.
  • the stripped cable end is fed to a production line via a suitable handling device.
  • the stripping can be done in an upstream process step.
  • a stripping head can also be integrated in the crimping machine. Such a stripping head is described for example in the above DE 44 40 835 C1 explained.
  • connection terminals 28 for the power supply of the electrically operated components are also visible.
  • the shuttle 24 is according to the Figures 3 and 4th mounted on a guide column 30 and movable in the vertical direction by means of an electromotive shuttle drive 32, in order to be able to take over the respective ferrule brought into its transfer position.
  • the height adjustment of the centering device 22 is also carried out by an electric motor via a centering drive 34, the actual centering device 22 being mounted on a bracket 36.
  • This can be moved along a vertical guide 38. That is, both the shuttle 24 and the centering device 22 can be moved parallel to one another in the vertical direction.
  • the supply of compressed air to the shuttle 24 takes place via compressed air hoses which are guided in a link chain 40 and whose end section travels with the shuttle 24.
  • FIG 5 shows a detailed view of the crimping machine 1 in one Figure 3 corresponding view from which the basic structure of the centering device 22 emerges.
  • the console 36 can be moved in the vertical direction along the vertical guide 38 by actuating the centering drive 34.
  • the centering drive 34 is designed as an electric motor drive, the drive spindle of which engages on the bracket 36 in order to adjust it.
  • two centering jaws 42, 44 can be moved in the horizontal direction, the four centering openings in the closed state shown Limit 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d, which are each assigned to different cable cross sections or ferrule diameters.
  • Centering openings 46c, 46d located at the top are provided, for example, for crimping cables with a diameter of 2.5 mm or 1.5 mm.
  • the centering opening 46b underneath is assigned for cable cross sections with 1.0 mm and the lowest centering opening 46a for cable cross sections with 0.5 mm and 0.75 mm. In other words, a single common centering opening 46a is sufficient for the comparatively small cross sections.
  • This diameter information is only of an exemplary nature. With such a division, appropriate wire end sleeves for these diameters (0.5 mm, 0.75 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm) would then be provided on the five drum magazines 2a to 2e.
  • the opening and closing of the two centering jaws 42, 44 takes place via pneumatic or electromotive closing drives 48, 50 which are mounted on the bracket 36 and act on their respective centering jaws 42, 44 with their actuating elements.
  • the control of the centering device 22 takes place in such a way that, depending on the ferrule brought into the crimping position, the correspondingly provided centering opening is aligned with respect to the crimping position.
  • these centering openings 46 are butted toward the crimping head 26, so that the insertion of the cable end is made easier.
  • a wire end sleeve 52 which is in a transfer position and which, in accordance with the predetermined designs, is provided for an average cable diameter of 1.0 mm.
  • This wire end sleeve 52 is conveyed to the transfer position shown above via the above-described central conveying unit 8c and then separated from the belt strap by means of a cutting device 54, which is guided along the associated guideway, in the present case the guideway 6c.
  • the wire end sleeve 52 is held by a gripper 56 of the shuttle 24 which can be moved on the guide column 30. After disconnection, the shuttle 24 then moves down into the crimping position, so that the cable end can be fed through the correspondingly positioned centering opening 46b.
  • a catch funnel 58 is arranged on the base plate 19 below the centering device 22, into which remnants of the belt strap or incorrectly crimped wire end sleeves or the like fall. These parts fall into a collecting container 60 which, as in FIG Figure 4 visible, can be pulled out of the rear wall for emptying.
  • the function of the cutting device 44 is based on Figure 6 explained, which only shows the conveyor units 8a to 8e, parts of the associated guideways 6a to 6e and the cutting device 54.
  • This has a cutting bar 62 which can be adjusted in the horizontal direction by means of a pneumatic cylinder 64 in order to separate the wire end sleeve 52 which is in the transfer position from the associated webbing.
  • the pneumatic cylinder 64 is arranged in the adjustment direction, that is, in the horizontal direction.
  • Figure 7 shows an individual representation of the cutting device 54 with the cutting bar 62 actuated by the pneumatic cylinder 64, to which a total of five cutting knives 66a, 66b, 66c, 66d, 66e are attached, the axial spacing of which corresponds to the transfer positions of the respective conveyor units 8a to 8e.
  • Figure 8 shows the cutting device 54 from the rear (based on the view in FIG Figure 7 ) ago. Accordingly, the cutting bar 62 is held with the knives 66a to 66e on a knife plate 68, to which two guide blocks 70, 72 are also fastened, through which guide elements of the crimping machine pass, so that the cutting knives 66a to 66e are guided exactly in the horizontal direction.
  • the pneumatic cylinder 64 is attached to a support bracket 74 which is arranged fixed to the housing.
  • oblong holes 76a, 76b, 76c, 76d and 76e are made in the area of the knives 66a to 66e on the cutting bar 62.
  • the grippers plunge into the space between two adjacent cutting knives 66a to 66e projecting over the elongated holes 76 while holding the wire end sleeve 52.
  • Figure 9 shows an individual representation of the shuttle 24 with the associated guide elements.
  • the shuttle 24 is guided along the guide column 30 with a shuttle slide 78 that can be moved in the vertical direction.
  • the drive takes place by means of an electric motor via the shuttle drive 32, the drive axis of which is offset by 90 ° with respect to the vertical axis, so that a corresponding deflection in the drive train is required in order to travel with the slide 78.
  • the carriage 78 carries two superimposed (view according to the embodiment shown) Figure 9 ) Grippers 56, 80, each having two gripper arms 82, 84 (see Figure 10 ).
  • these gripper arms 82, 84 each have two gripping recesses 86, 88 which are adapted to the contour of the contact elements to be processed, in the present case the wire end sleeves, so that all sizes can be reliably detected.
  • the gripper arms 82, 84 can be moved apart in the direction of the arrow, ie in the vertical direction. This movement apart takes place pneumatically via a gripper cylinder 90, 92, which controls the opening and closing movement of the gripper arms 82, 84.
  • the gripper cylinders 90, 92 are supplied with compressed air via the link chain 40.
  • the corresponding connection elements are shown in FIG Figure 10 visible.
  • the gripper arms 82, 84 can be moved in a scissor-like manner or parallel to one another in order to accommodate the wire end sleeve 52.
  • the second gripper 80 shown can be used, for example, to take over a further wire end sleeve or another contact part, which may have a different cross section than the wire end sleeve 52, in order to crimp the wire end sleeve 52 with one end of the cable and remove it via the gripper 80 Place ferrule or other contact element on the other end of this cable.
  • the crimping is done in the Figures 11 and 12th shown individually in crimp head 26.
  • This has four crimp jaws 94a, 94b, 94c and 94d which are offset by approximately 90 ° to one another and which are shown in Figure 11 are shown in their open position.
  • About the Shuttle 24 will move the ferrule 52 to be crimped into the crimping position shown.
  • the respective gripper 56 holds the wire end sleeve 52 on its plastic collar, while the four crimping jaws 94a to 94d engage a tube connected to the plastic collar.
  • the stripped cable end is inserted into the wire end sleeve 52 via the centering device 22 or more precisely via the centering opening moved into the correct relative position, and the crimping head 26 is then actuated, so that the four crimping jaws 94a to 94d move radially inward and initiate the forming process.
  • the crimping force is applied via a crimping cylinder 96, which is preferably actuated by an electric motor.
  • a link body 100 is guided on a crimping piston 98 of the crimping cylinder 96, on which a total of four links 102 are formed in the same division as the crimping jaws 94.
  • a backdrop 102a is visible.
  • two further backdrops 102b, 102c can be seen.
  • a fourth backdrop is in the representations according to the Figures 11 and 12th oriented downwards and not visible.
  • crimp levers 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d are pivoted over the links 102 in order to adjust the crimping jaws 94a to 94d.
  • These crimping levers 104 are pivotably held in a plate 106 and each end portion rests against the associated link 102 via a roller 108.
  • the other end portion of the crimping levers 104 passes through oblique slots 110a, 110b, 110c and 110d of a front plate 112, the view of which on the Figure 11 the crimping jaws 94a to 94d are formed from the end sections projecting from the front plate 112.
  • the oblique slots 110a to 110d enable the radial adjustment of the crimping jaws 94a to 94d.
  • the axial distance between the links 102 increases from the axis of the crimping piston 98 to the crimping cylinder 96. If the crimping piston 98 now extends, the crimping levers 104 are pivoted with increasing stroke via the rollers 108 rolling on the respective link 102, the end portion of the crimping lever 104 on the link body side being pivoted outward in the radial direction and correspondingly pivoting the end portion on the crimping jaw inward and thus pivoting inward causes the plastic deformation of the ferrule. This Swiveling inwards is made possible by the inclined slanted slots 110 in the front plate 112. After the crimping process, the crimping piston 98 retracts again, so that the crimping jaws 94 move apart accordingly and the crimped unit can be removed using a suitable handling device or the like and is fed to a further processing step.
  • the stroke of the crimping cylinder 96 can optionally depend on the cross section of the components to be processed.
  • the entire crimping unit is supported on the base plate 19 of the housing via a rear support plate 114, the plate 106 and the criming plate 112.
  • the two plates 106, 114 are connected to one another via tension struts 116.
  • a plurality of connecting bolts 118 extend between the plate 106 and the crimping plate 112.
  • the crimping machine 1 according to the invention is designed such that each cross-section to be processed can be fed via each drum magazine 2 and each assigned conveyor unit 8 or guide track 6.
  • a predetermined sequence can be set, via which different wire end sleeves / contact elements can be assembled with different cables.
  • the centering device 22 is aligned via the centering drive 34 with the associated feed opening 20 with reference to the crimping position, ie to the axis of the crimping head 16.
  • the belt strap in question is moved one step in the direction of the transfer position via the conveyor unit 8, which is assigned to the contact element to be crimped, so that the end sleeve 52 arranged at the end is arranged in this transfer position.
  • the gripper 56 is then moved to the transfer position via the shuttle drive 32 and the wire end sleeve is held along the gripper recesses 86, 88 by actuating the gripper cylinders 90, 92.
  • the cutting device 54 carries out a horizontal stroke with the knife plate 68 towards the belt webbing, only the cutting knife 66 associated with the relevant wire end sleeve coming into active engagement.
  • the wire end sleeve After the wire end sleeve has been separated from the webbing, it is moved via the shuttle into the crimping position between the crimping jaws 94 and then the stripped cable end is introduced via the feed opening 20.
  • the insertion can be detected by a sensor, so that after the insertion, the crimping head 26 is operated in the manner described above in order to crimp the wire end sleeve to the cable end.
  • a crimping machine with a multiplicity of magazines for contact elements, which can be transported to a transfer position via a conveyor device. A component to be crimped is then brought from the transfer position into a crimping position by means of a transport device.
  • This transport device is assigned to all storage arrangements.

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  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Manufacturing Of Electrical Connectors (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Crimpmaschine gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1.The invention relates to a crimping machine according to the preamble of claim 1.

Eine derartige Crimpmaschine ist beispielsweise aus der Patentschrift DE 44 40 835 C1 der Anmelderin bekannt und dient beispielsweise dazu, Aderendhülsen mit einem abisolierten Kabelende zu verpressen. Diese Aderendhülsen werden bei der bekannten Lösung als Gurtband auf einem Trommelmagazin aufgerollt und von diesem über eine Transporteinheit zu einem Crimpkopf gefördert. Alternativ können die Aderendhülsen bzw. Kontaktelemente auch vereinzelt in einem Speicher aufgenommen sein und dann über eine geeignete Zuführeinrichtung lagedefiniert zum Crimpkopf gefördert werden. Eine derartige Zuführeinrichtung ist beispielsweise in der DE 198 31 588 A1 beschrieben.Such a crimping machine is for example from the patent DE 44 40 835 C1 known to the applicant and used, for example, to press ferrules with a stripped cable end. In the known solution, these wire end sleeves are rolled up as a belt on a drum magazine and conveyed by the latter to a crimping head via a transport unit. Alternatively, the wire end sleeves or contact elements can also be accommodated individually in a memory and then conveyed to the crimping head in a defined position via a suitable feed device. Such a feed device is for example in the DE 198 31 588 A1 described.

Die zu vercrimpende Aderendhülse wird bei den bekannten Lösungen mittels einer Halteeinheit auf das abisolierte Kabelende aufgesetzt und dann über den Crimpkopf verpresst. Das Abisolieren des Kabelendes kann entweder extern oder über einen in die Crimpmaschine integrierten Abisolierkopf erfolgen.In the known solutions, the wire end sleeve to be crimped is placed on the stripped cable end by means of a holding unit and then pressed over the crimping head. The cable end can be stripped either externally or via a stripping head integrated in the crimping machine.

Der Aufbau einer Transporteinheit zum Fördern der auf einem Gurtband angeordneten Aderendhülsen oder sonstiger elektrischer Bauteile ist beispielsweise in der Druckschrift G 93 08 266.5 der Anmelderin beschrieben. Eine ähnliche Transporteinheit ist auch in der DE 197 14 964 C1 offenbart. EP 0889560 offenbart eine Crimpmaschine nach dem Oberbegriff des unabhängigen Anspruchs 1.The structure of a transport unit for conveying the wire end sleeves or other electrical components arranged on a belt is described, for example, in the applicant's publication G 93 08 266.5. A similar transport unit is also in the DE 197 14 964 C1 disclosed. EP 0889560 discloses a crimping machine according to the preamble of independent claim 1.

In der Serienproduktion ist es erforderlich, unterschiedliche Kabelquerschnitte und elektrische Bauelemente/Kontaktelemente miteinander zu verpressen und dann in einem folgenden Montagschritt, beispielsweise beim Montieren eines Schaltschranks zu verbauen. Hierzu verbleiben prinzipiell zwei Möglichkeiten: Bei einer Variante wird die Crimpmaschine zum Verpressen unterschiedlicher Kabelquerschnitte und/oder Kontaktelemente (Aderendhülsen) umgerüstet oder aber es werden mehrere Crimpmaschinen zur Verarbeitung der unterschiedlichen Kabelquerschnitte/Kontaktelemente vorgesehen. Die erstgenannte Lösung bedarf hoher Rüstzeiten und eines erheblichen Personalaufwandes. Dieser Nachteil wird bei der letztgenannten Lösung mit einer Vielzahl von Crimpmaschinen überwunden - die Investitionskosten sind jedoch erheblich.In series production, it is necessary to press different cable cross sections and electrical components / contact elements together and then to install them in a subsequent assembly step, for example when assembling a control cabinet. There are basically two options for this: In one variant, the crimping machine is converted for pressing different cable cross-sections and / or contact elements (wire end sleeves), or several crimping machines are used intended for processing the different cable cross-sections / contact elements. The first-mentioned solution requires long set-up times and considerable personnel expenditure. This disadvantage is overcome in the latter solution with a large number of crimping machines - but the investment costs are considerable.

Dem gegenüber liegt der Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Crimpmaschine zu schaffen, die bei vergleichsweise einfachem Aufbau eine flexible Fertigung ermöglicht.In contrast, the invention has for its object to provide a crimping machine that enables flexible manufacture with a comparatively simple structure.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch eine Crimpmaschine mit den Merkmalen des Patentanspruchs 1 gelöst.This object is achieved by a crimping machine with the features of claim 1.

Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind Gegenstand der Unteransprüche.Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Die Crimpmaschine ist zum Verpressen von Kontaktelementen mit einem Endabschnitt eines Leiters, beispielsweise eines Kabelendes vorgesehen und hat eine Speichereinrichtung für die Kontaktelemente und eine Transporteinrichtung zum Zuführen der Kontaktelemente vom Speicher hin zu einem Crimpkopf. Erfindungsgemäß hat die Speicheranordnung zumindest zwei, vorzugsweise fünf Speicher mit unterschiedlichen Kontaktelementen, wobei diesen Speichern eine gemeinsame Transporteinrichtung zum Transport des Kontaktelementes von einer Übergabeposition zum Crimpkopf zugeordnet ist.The crimping machine is provided for pressing contact elements with an end section of a conductor, for example a cable end, and has a storage device for the contact elements and a transport device for feeding the contact elements from the storage device to a crimping head. According to the invention, the memory arrangement has at least two, preferably five memories with different contact elements, a common transport device for transporting the contact element from a transfer position to the crimping head being assigned to these memories.

Über eine geeignete Ansteuerung der Transporteinrichtung kann dann dem Crimpkopf ein für den jeweiligen Fertigungsschritt vorgesehenes Kontaktelement zugeführt werden, das dann mit dem über eine Zentriereinrichtung mit Bezug zum Crimpkopf ausgerichtetem Leiter vercrimpt wird.A suitable control of the transport device can then be used to supply the crimp head with a contact element provided for the respective production step, which is then crimped with the conductor aligned with a centering device with reference to the crimp head.

Eine derartige Crimpmaschine ermöglicht eine äußerst flexible Verarbeitung der Bauelemente ohne dass es erheblicher Investitionskosten oder Rüstzeiten bedarf.Such a crimping machine enables extremely flexible processing of the components without requiring significant investment costs or set-up times.

Bei einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung erfolgt der Transport der Kontaktelemente von jedem Speicher zu der Übergabeposition über eine geeignete Fördereinheit, deren prinzipieller Aufbau beispielsweise aus dem vorbeschriebenen Stand der Technik bekannt ist. Bei einer derartigen Variante ist eine der Anzahl an Speichern entsprechende Anzahl von Fördereinheiten zum Transport der Aderendhülsen in die Übergabeposition vorgesehen.In one embodiment of the invention, the contact elements are transported from each storage device to the transfer position via a suitable conveyor unit, the basic structure of which is known, for example, from the prior art described above. In such a variant, a number of conveying units corresponding to the number of stores is provided for transporting the wire end sleeves into the transfer position.

Erfindungsgemäß hat die Transporteinheit ein Shuttle zur Übernahme des sich in der Übergabeposition befindlichen Kontaktelementes und zu dessen Transport hin zu einer Crimpposition.According to the invention, the transport unit has a shuttle for taking over the contact element located in the transfer position and for transporting it to a crimping position.

Das Shuttle hat zumindest einen Greifer, der am Kontaktelement vorzugsweise quer zur Kontaktelementlängsachse angreift. Durch diesen Greifer kann dann das sich in der Übergabeposition befindliche Kontaktelement ergriffen und zum Crimpkopf gefördert werden.The shuttle has at least one gripper, which preferably engages the contact element transversely to the longitudinal axis of the contact element. This gripper can then grip the contact element in the transfer position and convey it to the crimping head.

Zur Verkürzung der Produktionszeit ist das Shuttle erfindungsgemäß mit zwei parallel angeordneten Greifern ausgeführt, wobei ein Greifer das sich in der Übergabeposition befindliche Kontaktelement übernimmt und der zweite Greifer ein in einem folgenden Arbeitsgang zu verpressendes Kontaktelement greift. Auf diese Weise ist es beispielsweise möglich, beide Endabschnitte eines Kabelendes mit minimalem Fertigungsaufwand mit entsprechenden Kontaktelementen zu verpressen, wobei diese Kontaktelemente unterschiedlich sein können.To shorten the production time, the shuttle is designed according to the invention with two grippers arranged in parallel, one gripper taking over the contact element located in the transfer position and the second gripper gripping a contact element to be pressed in a subsequent operation. In this way, it is possible, for example, to press both end sections of a cable end with corresponding contact elements with minimal production effort, it being possible for these contact elements to be different.

Bei einer Variante des Shuttles sind die Greifer entlang einer Führung verfahrbar, so dass die Greifer in einer Ebene von der Übergabeposition in die Crimpposition verfahrbar sind. Dabei handelt es sich vorzugsweise um eine Vertikalebene mit Bezug zur Standfläche der Crimpmaschine.In a variant of the shuttle, the grippers can be moved along a guide, so that the grippers can be moved in one plane from the transfer position to the crimping position. This is preferably a vertical plane with reference to the base of the crimping machine.

Der Aufbau der Crimpmaschine ist besonders einfach, wenn die Kontaktelemente jeweils als Gurtband auf einem Trommelmagazin angeordnet sind. Derartige Trommelmagazine lassen sich sehr einfach wechseln, so dass die Rüstzeiten weiter verringert sind. Des Weiteren vereinfacht die durch das Gurtband vorgegebene Lageorientierung die folgende Verarbeitung der Kontaktelemente.The structure of the crimping machine is particularly simple if the contact elements are each arranged as a belt on a drum magazine. Drum magazines of this type can be changed very easily, so that the set-up times are further reduced. Furthermore, the positional orientation given by the webbing simplifies the subsequent processing of the contact elements.

Selbstverständlich können alternativ auch Einzelteile vercrimpt werden, wobei allerdings der Aufwand zur lagegerechten Positionierung der einzelnen Kontaktelemente berücksichtigt werden muss.Of course, individual parts can alternatively also be crimped, although the effort required to position the individual contact elements correctly must be taken into account.

In dem Fall, in dem die Kontaktelemente als Gurtband bereitgestellt sind, kann eine Schneideinrichtung zum Abtrennen des sich in der Übergabeposition befindlichen Kontaktelementes vom Gurtband vorgesehen sein.In the case in which the contact elements are provided as a webbing, a cutting device can be provided for separating the contact element located in the transfer position from the webbing.

Eine derartige Schneideinrichtung hat bei einem Ausführungsbeispiel eine der Anzahl von Speichern entsprechende Anzahl von Schneidmessern, wobei allerdings lediglich das Schneidmesser in Wirkeingriff gelangt, das dem sich in der Übergabeposition befindlichen Kontaktelement zugeordnet ist.In one exemplary embodiment, such a cutting device has a number of cutting knives corresponding to the number of memories, although only the cutting knife that is assigned to the contact element located in the transfer position comes into active engagement.

Die Zentriereinrichtung zum Zentrieren des Leiters mit Bezug zur Crimpposition hat bei einem Ausführungsbeispiel eine Vielzahl von Zentrieröffnungen. Durch Verfahren dieser Zentrierführung kann diejenige Zentrieröffnung, die dem zu verarbeitenden Leiterquerschnitt zugeordnet ist, mit Bezug zur Crimpposition ausgerichtet werden.The centering device for centering the conductor with respect to the crimping position has a plurality of centering openings in one embodiment. By moving this centering guide, that centering opening which is assigned to the conductor cross section to be processed can be aligned with respect to the crimping position.

Bei einem Ausführungsbeispiel hat die Zentriereinrichtung zwei Zentrierbacken, die zum Entnehmen des verpressten Produkts auffahrbar sind.In one embodiment, the centering device has two centering jaws which can be moved up to remove the pressed product.

Ein sehr kompakter Aufbau der Crimpmaschine ist realisierbar, wenn die jeweiligen Übergabepositionen der Transporteinheiten übereinanderliegend angeordnet sind, so dass der Greifer zwischen den Transportebenen verfahrbar ist und die Trenneinrichtung quer dazu, d. h., parallel zur Achse des Crimpkopfes und/oder der Zentriereinrichtung verfahrbar ist.A very compact structure of the crimping machine can be realized if the respective transfer positions of the transport units are arranged one above the other, so that the gripper can be moved between the transport planes and the separating device transversely to it, i. that is, can be moved parallel to the axis of the crimping head and / or the centering device.

Die Betriebssicherheit der Crimpmaschine lässt sich verbessern, wenn diese mit einer Abdeckung versehen ist und eine Sicherheitsschaltung aufweist, die bei einem ungewollten Öffnen der Abdeckung die Energieversorgung unterbricht. Um ein Rüsten der Crimpmaschine zu erleichtern, ist diese mit einer Rüstschaltung ausgeführt, die die Funktion der Crimpmaschine bei geöffneter Schutzhaube ermöglicht.The operational safety of the crimping machine can be improved if it is provided with a cover and has a safety circuit which interrupts the energy supply if the cover is opened unintentionally. To make it easier to set up the crimping machine, it is designed with a set-up circuit that enables the crimping machine to function when the protective hood is open.

Der Automatisierungsgrad lässt sich erhöhen, wenn das Zuführen der Kontaktelemente über eine geeignete Zuführeinheit, beispielsweise ein Handlingsgerät oder dergleichen erfolgt.The degree of automation can be increased if the contact elements are fed via a suitable feed unit, for example a handling device or the like.

Durch geeignete Auslegung einer Steuereinheit der Crimpmaschine kann das Ansteuern der Transporteinheit derart erfolgen, dass diese ein bestimmtes, sich in einer Übergabeposition befindliches Kontaktelement übernimmt und zur Crimpposition verbringt.By suitably designing a control unit of the crimping machine, the transport unit can be controlled in such a way that it takes over a specific contact element located in a transfer position and moves it to the crimping position.

Das Programmieren der Crimpmaschine erfolgt vorzugsweise über ein Bedienfeld. Dieses Bedienfeld kann zur Verbesserung des Bedienkomforts abnehmbar an einem Gehäuse der Crimpmaschine gehalten sein.The crimping machine is preferably programmed via a control panel. This control panel can be detachably held on a housing of the crimping machine to improve ease of use.

Ein bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung wird im Folgenden anhand schematischer Zeichnungen näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

  • Figur 1 eine dreidimensionale Vorderansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Crimpmaschine;
  • Figur 2 eine Seitenansicht der Crimpmaschine gemäß Figur 1;
  • Figur 3 die Crimpmaschine in der Ansicht nach Figur 1 mit abgenommenen Gehäuseelementen;
  • Figur 4 die Crimpmaschine in einer Rückansicht mit abgenommenen Gehäuseelementen;
  • Figur 5 eine vergrößerte Detaildarstellung der Ansicht gemäß Figur 3;
  • Figur 6 eine Einzelansicht einer Fördereinheit der Crimpmaschine gemäß den Figuren 1 bis 5;
  • Figur 7 eine Einzeldarstellung einer Schneideinrichtung der Crimpmaschine;
  • Figur 8 eine Rückansicht der Schneideinrichtung gemäß Figur 7;
  • Figur 9 ein Shuttle der Crimpmaschine;
  • Figur 10 eine Detaildarstellung des Shuttles gemäß Figur 9;
  • Figur 11 eine Einzeldarstellung des Crimpkopfs der Crimpmaschine und
  • Figur 12 eine Seitenansicht des Crimpkopfs gemäß Figur 11.
A preferred embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of schematic drawings. Show it:
  • Figure 1 a three-dimensional front view of a crimping machine according to the invention;
  • Figure 2 a side view of the crimping machine according to Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 the crimping machine in view Figure 1 with housing elements removed;
  • Figure 4 the crimping machine in a rear view with the housing elements removed;
  • Figure 5 an enlarged detail view according to the view Figure 3 ;
  • Figure 6 a single view of a conveyor unit of the crimping machine according to Figures 1 to 5;
  • Figure 7 an individual representation of a cutting device of the crimping machine;
  • Figure 8 a rear view of the cutting device according to Figure 7 ;
  • Figure 9 a shuttle of the crimping machine;
  • Figure 10 a detailed representation of the shuttle according to Figure 9 ;
  • Figure 11 an individual representation of the crimping head of the crimping machine and
  • Figure 12 a side view of the crimping head according to Figure 11 .

Figur 1 zeigt eine dreidimensionale Vorderansicht einer Crimpmaschine 1, mit der fünf unterschiedliche Aderendhülsen oder sonstige Kontaktelemente verarbeitbar sind. Bei dem im Folgenden beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispiel ist die Crimpmaschine 1 zur Verarbeitung von Aderendhülsen für unterschiedliche Kabelquerschnitte beschrieben. Die Aderendhülsen sind als Gurtband bereitgestellt. Diese Gurtbänder sind auf insgesamt fünf Trommelmagazine 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d und 2 e aufgewickelt und an einem Magazinhalter 4 der Crimpmaschine drehbar gelagert. Gemäß der Darstellung in Figur 2, die die Crimpmaschine 1 in einer Ansicht von links in Figur 1 zeigt, sind in Verlängerung der in der Ansicht nach Figur 2 unten liegenden Umfangsabschnitte der Trommelmagazine 2a bis 2e Führungsbahnen 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d und 6e ausgebildet, deren Endabschnitte in jeweils eine Fördereinheit 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d bzw. 8e einmünden. Über diese wird das nicht dargestellte Gurtband von den Trommelmagazinen 2 abgerollt und je nach Ansteuerung der Crimpmaschine 1 die Aderendhülse eines vorbestimmten Gurtbandes in eine im Folgenden noch näher erläuterte Übergangsposition transportiert. Wie aus der Darstellung gemäß Figur 2 erkennbar, sind die Transporteinheiten 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e in Vertikalrichtung übereinanderliegend angeordnet, so dass entsprechend auch die zugeordneten Führungsbahnen 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e in diesen übereinanderliegenden Ebenen münden. Der Magazinhalter 4, die genannten Führungsbahnen 6 und die Fördereinheiten 8 sind an einem Rahmen der Crimpmaschine 1 gehalten. Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional front view of a crimping machine 1, with which five different ferrules or other contact elements can be processed. In the exemplary embodiment described below, the crimping machine 1 for processing wire end sleeves for different cable cross sections is described. The wire end sleeves are provided as a webbing. These belt straps are wound onto a total of five drum magazines 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2 e and rotatably mounted on a magazine holder 4 of the crimping machine. As shown in Figure 2 which the crimping machine 1 in a view from the left in Figure 1 shows are in extension of the in the view Figure 2 circumferential sections of the drum magazines 2a to 2e lying at the bottom are formed with guideways 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d and 6e, the end sections of which open into a conveyor unit 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d and 8e, respectively. The webbing (not shown) is unwound from the drum magazines 2 and, depending on the control of the crimping machine 1, the wire end sleeve of a predetermined webbing is transported into a transition position which will be explained in more detail below. As shown in the illustration Figure 2 As can be seen, the transport units 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction, so that the associated guide tracks 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e also open out in these superimposed planes. The magazine holder 4, the mentioned guideways 6 and the conveyor units 8 are held on a frame of the crimping machine 1.

Die sonstigen Funktionselemente der Crimpmaschine 1 sind von einem mehrteiligen Gehäuse 10 umschlossen. Die Programmierung und Eingabe der Produktionsparameter für die ebenfalls im Gehäuse 10 aufgenommene Steuereinheit erfolgt über ein Bedienfeld 12, das entweder ins Gehäuse 10 integriert ist oder-wie im vorliegenden Fall - abnehmbar am Gehäuse 10 gehalten wird. Sichtbar in der Darstellung gemäß den Figuren 1 und 2 ist des Weiteren ein Schloss 14 zum Ein- und Ausschalten der Crimpmaschine 1 und zum Einstellen eines Rüstmodus, der die Betätigung der Crimpmaschine 1 auch dann ermöglicht, wenn eine für die Betriebssicherheit erforderliche, strichpunktiert angedeutete Abdeckung 16 geöffnet wird. Im normalen Betrieb wird bei Öffnen der Abdeckung 16 die Energie- und Betriebsmittelversorgung der Crimpmaschine 1 aus Sicherheitsgründen unterbrochen. Zum Einstellen/Umrüsten kann dann der vorbeschriebene Rüstmodus eingestellt werden, der einen Betrieb der Crimpmaschine 1 auch bei offener Abdeckung ermöglicht. Diese Umstellung ist jedoch nur für einen gewissen Personenkreis einstellbar.The other functional elements of the crimping machine 1 are enclosed by a multi-part housing 10. The programming and input of the production parameters for the control unit likewise accommodated in the housing 10 takes place via an operating panel 12, which is either integrated into the housing 10 or, as in the present case, is held detachably on the housing 10. Visible in the representation according to the Figures 1 and 2nd is furthermore a lock 14 for switching the crimping machine 1 on and off and for setting a set-up mode which enables the crimping machine 1 to be operated even when a cover 16 indicated by dash-dotted lines is required for operational safety. In normal operation, when the cover 16 is opened, the energy and equipment supply to the crimping machine 1 is interrupted for safety reasons. The set-up mode described above, which is an operation of the crimping machine, can then be set for setting / changing 1 also possible with the cover open. However, this change can only be made for a certain group of people.

Wie in Figur 2 angedeutet, sind an der vom Bedienfeld 12 abgewandten Rückseite der Crimpmaschine 1 Energie- und Betriebsmittel-Versorgungsanschlüsse 18 ausgebildet. Die im Folgenden beschriebenen Komponenten der Crimpmaschine 1 sind entweder elektromotorisch oder pneumatisch angetrieben, so dass entsprechend die Stromversorgung und die Druckluftversorgung rückseitig an der Crimpmaschine 1 angeschlossen ist.As in Figure 2 indicated, on the back of the crimping machine 1 facing away from the control panel 12, energy and operating medium supply connections 18 are formed. The components of the crimping machine 1 described below are either driven by an electric motor or pneumatically, so that the power supply and the compressed air supply are connected to the back of the crimping machine 1.

In den dreidimensionalen Darstellungen gemäß den Figuren 3 und 4 sind Teile des Gehäuses 10 abgenommen, so dass einige im Folgenden noch näher erläuterte Funktionselemente der Crimpmaschine 1 sichtbar sind. Diese Funktionselemente sind unmittelbar oder mittelbar auf einer Grundplatte 19 des Gehäuses 10 montiert. In Figur 4 sichtbar sind die vorbeschriebenen Anschlüsse 18 für Strom, Druckluft sowie für Ein- und Ausgangssignale zum Betrieb in einer Fertigungslinie, in die die Crimpmaschine 1 integriert ist.In the three-dimensional representations according to the Figures 3 and 4th parts of the housing 10 have been removed, so that some functional elements of the crimping machine 1 which will be explained in more detail below are visible. These functional elements are mounted directly or indirectly on a base plate 19 of the housing 10. In Figure 4 The above-described connections 18 for current, compressed air and for input and output signals for operation in a production line in which the crimping machine 1 is integrated are visible.

An der in Figur 1 sichtbaren Vorderseite des Gehäuses 10 ist eine Einführöffnung 20 für das Kabelende vorgesehen, das mit der sich in der Übergabeposition befindlichen Aderendhülse vercrimpt werden soll.At the in Figure 1 visible front of the housing 10, an insertion opening 20 is provided for the cable end, which is to be crimped with the ferrule in the transfer position.

Bei abgenommener Gehäuseüberdeckung wird die hinter der Einführöffnung 20 angeordnete Zentriereinrichtung 22 sichtbar, die, wie später noch anhand Figur 5 erläutert wird, in Vertikalrichtung (Ansicht nach Figur 3) verfahrbar ist, so dass sie mit Bezug zu einer Crimpposition lagepositioniert werden kann. Diese Zentriereinrichtung 22 dient zur Zentrierung des zugeführten Kabelendes mit Bezug zu dieser Crimpposition.When the housing cover is removed, the centering device 22 arranged behind the insertion opening 20 becomes visible, which, as will be explained later, is shown Figure 5 is explained in the vertical direction (view according to Figure 3 ) can be moved so that it can be positioned in relation to a crimping position. This centering device 22 serves to center the supplied cable end with reference to this crimping position.

Wie vorstehend erläutert, wird über die Fördereinheiten 8a bis 8e durch entsprechende Ansteuerung der nicht dargestellten Steuereinheit eine bestimmte Aderendhülse in eine Übergabeposition gebracht und dann mittels eines im Folgenden noch näher erläuterten Schneidmessers vom Gurtband abgetrennt. Dabei wird die betreffende Aderendhülse von einem Shuttle 24 gehalten und dann in Vertikalrichtung in die Crimpposition verfahren. Wie erläutert, ist die Zentriereinrichtung 22 mit Bezug zu dieser Crimpposition ausgerichtet, so dass das abisolierte Kabelende in die vom Shuttle 24 oder einem sonstigen Greifer gehaltene Aderendhülse eingeführt werden kann. In einem folgenden Arbeitsgang wird dann ein Crimpkopf 26 angesteuert, um die Aderendhülse und das Kabelende miteinander zu vercrimpen. Wie eingangs erläutert, erfolgt das Zuführen des abisolierten Kabelendes bei einer Fertigungslinie über ein geeignetes Handlingsgerät. Das Abisolieren kann dabei in einem vorgeschalteten Verfahrensschritt erfolgen. Prinzipiell kann jedoch auch ein Abisolierkopf in die Crimpmaschine integriert sein. Ein derartiger Abisolierkopf ist beispielsweise in der eingangs beschriebenen DE 44 40 835 C1 erläutert.As explained above, a specific wire end sleeve is brought into a transfer position by means of appropriate control of the control unit (not shown) via the conveyor units 8a to 8e and then separated from the belt strap by means of a cutting knife, which will be explained in more detail below. The ferrule in question is held by a shuttle 24 and then in the vertical direction Move crimp position. As explained, the centering device 22 is aligned with respect to this crimping position, so that the stripped cable end can be inserted into the wire end sleeve held by the shuttle 24 or another gripper. In a subsequent operation, a crimping head 26 is then activated in order to crimp the ferrule and the cable end together. As explained at the beginning, the stripped cable end is fed to a production line via a suitable handling device. The stripping can be done in an upstream process step. In principle, however, a stripping head can also be integrated in the crimping machine. Such a stripping head is described for example in the above DE 44 40 835 C1 explained.

In den Ansichten gemäß den Figuren 3 und 4 sichtbar sind noch Anschlussklemmen 28 für die Stromversorgung der elektrisch betriebenen Komponenten. Das Shuttle 24 ist gemäß den Figuren 3 und 4 an einer Führungssäule 30 gelagert und mittels eines elektromotorischen Shuttleantriebs 32 in Vertikalrichtung verfahrbar, um die jeweilige, in ihre Übergabeposition verbrachte Aderendhülse übernehmen zu können.In the views according to the Figures 3 and 4th Connection terminals 28 for the power supply of the electrically operated components are also visible. The shuttle 24 is according to the Figures 3 and 4th mounted on a guide column 30 and movable in the vertical direction by means of an electromotive shuttle drive 32, in order to be able to take over the respective ferrule brought into its transfer position.

Die Höhenverstellung der Zentriereinrichtung 22 erfolgt ebenfalls elektromotorisch über einen Zentrierantrieb 34, wobei die eigentliche Zentriereinrichtung 22 auf einer Konsole 36 gelagert ist. Diese ist entlang einer Vertikalführung 38 verfahrbar. D. h., sowohl das Shuttle 24 als auch die Zentriereinrichtung 22 sind in Vertikalrichtung parallel zueinander verfahrbar. Die Druckluftversorgung des Shuttles 24 erfolgt dabei über in einer Gliederkette 40 geführte Druckluftschläuche, deren Endabschnitt mit dem Shuttle 24 mitfährt.The height adjustment of the centering device 22 is also carried out by an electric motor via a centering drive 34, the actual centering device 22 being mounted on a bracket 36. This can be moved along a vertical guide 38. That is, both the shuttle 24 and the centering device 22 can be moved parallel to one another in the vertical direction. The supply of compressed air to the shuttle 24 takes place via compressed air hoses which are guided in a link chain 40 and whose end section travels with the shuttle 24.

Figur 5 zeigt eine Detaildarstellung der Crimpmaschine 1 in einer Figur 3 entsprechenden Ansicht, aus der der Grundaufbau der Zentriereinrichtung 22 hervorgeht. Wie erläutert, ist die Konsole 36 entlang der Vertikalführung 38 durch Ansteuerung des Zentrierantriebs 34 in Vertikalrichtung verfahrbar. Der Zentrierantrieb 34 ist als elektromotorischer Antrieb ausgeführt, dessen Antriebsspindel an der Konsole 36 angreift, um diese zu verstellen. Auf der Konsole sind in Horizontalrichtung verfahrbar zwei Zentrierbacken 42, 44 geführt, die im dargestellten geschlossenen Zustand vier Zentrieröffnungen 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d begrenzen, die jeweils unterschiedlichen Kabelquerschnitten bzw. Aderendhülsendurchmessern zugeordnet sind. Figure 5 shows a detailed view of the crimping machine 1 in one Figure 3 corresponding view from which the basic structure of the centering device 22 emerges. As explained, the console 36 can be moved in the vertical direction along the vertical guide 38 by actuating the centering drive 34. The centering drive 34 is designed as an electric motor drive, the drive spindle of which engages on the bracket 36 in order to adjust it. On the console, two centering jaws 42, 44 can be moved in the horizontal direction, the four centering openings in the closed state shown Limit 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d, which are each assigned to different cable cross sections or ferrule diameters.

Die in Figur 5 oben liegenden Zentrieröffnungen 46c, 46d sind dabei beispielsweise zum Vercrimpen von Kabeln mit einem Durchmesser von 2,5 mm bzw. 1,5 mm vorgesehen. Die darunter liegende Zentrieröffnung 46b ist für Kabelquerschnitte mit 1,0 mm und die unterste Zentrieröffnung 46a für Kabelquerschnitte mit 0,5 mm und 0,75 mm zugeordnet. D. h., für die vergleichsweise kleinen Querschnitte reicht eine einzige gemeinsame Zentrieröffnung 46a aus. Diese Durchmesserangaben sind lediglich beispielhafter Natur. Bei einer derartigen Aufteilung wären dann entsprechend auf den fünf Trommelmagazinen 2a bis 2e geeignete Aderendhülsen für diese Durchmesser (0,5 mm, 0,75 mm, 1,0 mm, 1,5 mm, 2,5 mm) vorgesehen. Das Öffnen und Schließen der beiden Zentrierbacken 42, 44 erfolgt über pneumatische oder elektromotorische Schließantriebe 48, 50, die an der Konsole 36 gelagert sind und mit ihren Betätigungselementen an jeweiligen Zentrierbacken 42, 44 angreifen.In the Figure 5 Centering openings 46c, 46d located at the top are provided, for example, for crimping cables with a diameter of 2.5 mm or 1.5 mm. The centering opening 46b underneath is assigned for cable cross sections with 1.0 mm and the lowest centering opening 46a for cable cross sections with 0.5 mm and 0.75 mm. In other words, a single common centering opening 46a is sufficient for the comparatively small cross sections. This diameter information is only of an exemplary nature. With such a division, appropriate wire end sleeves for these diameters (0.5 mm, 0.75 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm) would then be provided on the five drum magazines 2a to 2e. The opening and closing of the two centering jaws 42, 44 takes place via pneumatic or electromotive closing drives 48, 50 which are mounted on the bracket 36 and act on their respective centering jaws 42, 44 with their actuating elements.

Die Ansteuerung der Zentriereinrichtung 22 erfolgt so, dass je nach in die Crimpposition verbrachter Aderendhülse die entsprechend vorgesehene Zentrieröffnung mit Bezug zur Crimpposition ausgerichtet wird. Zum Vereinfachen des Zentriervorgangs sind diese Zentrieröffnungen 46 zum Crimpkopf 26 hin konifiziert, so dass das Einführen des Kabelendes erleichtert ist.The control of the centering device 22 takes place in such a way that, depending on the ferrule brought into the crimping position, the correspondingly provided centering opening is aligned with respect to the crimping position. To simplify the centering process, these centering openings 46 are butted toward the crimping head 26, so that the insertion of the cable end is made easier.

In der Darstellung gemäß Figur 5 sichtbar ist auch eine sich in einer Übergabeposition befindliche Aderendhülse 52, die gemäß den vorbestimmten Ausführungen für einen mittleren Kabel-Durchmesser von 1,0 mm vorgesehen ist. Diese Aderendhülse 52 wird über die vorbeschriebene mittlere Fördereinheit 8c in die dargestellte Übergabeposition gefördert und dann mittels einer Schneideinrichtung 54 vom Gurtband abgetrennt, das entlang der zugeordneten Führungsbahn, im vorliegenden Fall der Führungsbahn 6c geführt ist. Während dieses Abtrennens wird die Aderendhülse 52 von einem Greifer 56 des an der Führungssäule 30 verfahrbaren Shuttles 24 gehalten. Nach dem Abtrennen fährt das Shuttle 24 dann nach unten in die Crimpposition, so dass das Kabelende durch die entsprechend lagepositionierte Zentrieröffnung 46b zugeführt werden kann.According to the representation Figure 5 Also visible is a wire end sleeve 52 which is in a transfer position and which, in accordance with the predetermined designs, is provided for an average cable diameter of 1.0 mm. This wire end sleeve 52 is conveyed to the transfer position shown above via the above-described central conveying unit 8c and then separated from the belt strap by means of a cutting device 54, which is guided along the associated guideway, in the present case the guideway 6c. During this separation, the wire end sleeve 52 is held by a gripper 56 of the shuttle 24 which can be moved on the guide column 30. After disconnection, the shuttle 24 then moves down into the crimping position, so that the cable end can be fed through the correspondingly positioned centering opening 46b.

Gemäß Figur 5 ist auf der Grundplatte 19 unterhalb der Zentriereinrichtung 22 ein Fangtrichter 58 angeordnet, in den Reste des Gurtbandes oder fehlerhaft vercrimpte Aderendhülsen oder dergleichen hineinfallen. Diese Teile fallen in einen Sammelbehälter 60, der wie in Figur 4 sichtbar, zum Entleeren aus der Rückwand herausgezogen werden kann.According to Figure 5 a catch funnel 58 is arranged on the base plate 19 below the centering device 22, into which remnants of the belt strap or incorrectly crimped wire end sleeves or the like fall. These parts fall into a collecting container 60 which, as in FIG Figure 4 visible, can be pulled out of the rear wall for emptying.

Die Funktion der Schneideinrichtung 44 wird anhand Figur 6 erläutert, die lediglich die Fördereinheiten 8a bis 8e, Teile der zugehörigen Führungsbahnen 6a bis 6e sowie die Schneideinrichtung 54 zeigt. Diese hat einen Schneidbalken 62, der mittels eines Pneumatikzylinders 64 in Horizontalrichtung verstellbar ist, um die sich in der Übergabeposition befindliche Aderendhülse 52 vom zugehörigen Gurtband abzutrennen. Dem entsprechend ist der Pneumatikzylinder 64 in Verstellrichtung, d. h., in Horizontalrichtung angeordnet.The function of the cutting device 44 is based on Figure 6 explained, which only shows the conveyor units 8a to 8e, parts of the associated guideways 6a to 6e and the cutting device 54. This has a cutting bar 62 which can be adjusted in the horizontal direction by means of a pneumatic cylinder 64 in order to separate the wire end sleeve 52 which is in the transfer position from the associated webbing. Accordingly, the pneumatic cylinder 64 is arranged in the adjustment direction, that is, in the horizontal direction.

Figur 7 zeigt eine Einzeldarstellung der Schneideinrichtung 54 mit dem vom Pneumatikzylinder 64 betätigten Schneidbalken 62, an diesem sind insgesamt fünf Schneidmesser 66a, 66b, 66c, 66d, 66e befestigt, deren Axialabstand den Übergabepositionen der jeweiligen Fördereinheiten 8a bis 8e entspricht. Figure 7 shows an individual representation of the cutting device 54 with the cutting bar 62 actuated by the pneumatic cylinder 64, to which a total of five cutting knives 66a, 66b, 66c, 66d, 66e are attached, the axial spacing of which corresponds to the transfer positions of the respective conveyor units 8a to 8e.

Figur 8 zeigt die Schneideinrichtung 54 von der Rückseite (bezogen auf die Ansicht in Figur 7) her. Demgemäß ist der Schneidbalken 62 mit den Messern 66a bis 66e an einer Messerplatte 68 gehalten, an der auch zwei Führungsblöcke 70, 72 befestigt sind, die von Führungselementen der Crimpmaschine durchsetzt sind, so dass die Schneidmesser 66a bis 66e in Horizontalrichtung exakt geführt sind. Der Pneumatikzylinder 64 ist an einer Stützkonsole 74 befestigt, die gehäusefest angeordnet ist. Gemäß der Darstellung in Figur 7 sind im Bereich der Messer 66a bis 66e am Schneidbalken 62 Langlöcher 76a, 76b, 76c, 76d und 76 e ausgeführt. Figure 8 shows the cutting device 54 from the rear (based on the view in FIG Figure 7 ) ago. Accordingly, the cutting bar 62 is held with the knives 66a to 66e on a knife plate 68, to which two guide blocks 70, 72 are also fastened, through which guide elements of the crimping machine pass, so that the cutting knives 66a to 66e are guided exactly in the horizontal direction. The pneumatic cylinder 64 is attached to a support bracket 74 which is arranged fixed to the housing. As shown in Figure 7 oblong holes 76a, 76b, 76c, 76d and 76e are made in the area of the knives 66a to 66e on the cutting bar 62.

Wie aus der Darstellung gemäß Figur 5 entnehmbar, tauchen die Greifer beim Halten der Aderendhülse 52 in den Raum zwischen zwei benachbarten, über die Langlöcher 76 auskragenden Schneidmessern 66a bis 66e hinein.As shown in the illustration Figure 5 Removable, the grippers plunge into the space between two adjacent cutting knives 66a to 66e projecting over the elongated holes 76 while holding the wire end sleeve 52.

Einzelheiten des Shuttles werden anhand der Figuren 9 und 10 erläutert.Details of the shuttle are based on the Figures 9 and 10th explained.

Figur 9 zeigt eine Einzeldarstellung des Shuttles 24 mit den zugehörigen Führungselementen. Wie erläutert, ist das Shuttle 24 mit einem Shuttleschlitten 78 in Vertikalrichtung verfahrbar entlang der Führungssäule 30 geführt. Der Antrieb erfolgt elektromotorisch über den Shuttleantrieb 32, dessen Antriebsachse um 90° gegenüber der Vertikalachse versetzt ist, so dass eine entsprechende Umlenkung im Antriebsstrang erforderlich ist, um mit dem Schlitten 78 zu verfahren. Der Schlitten 78 trägt beim dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel zwei übereinanderliegende (Ansicht nach Figur 9) Greifer 56, 80, die jeweils zwei Greiferarme 82, 84 haben (siehe Figur 10). Diese Greiferarme 82, 84 haben an ihrem Endabschnitt jeweils zwei Greifausnehmungen 86, 88, die an die Kontur der zu verarbeitenden Kontaktelemente, im vorliegenden Fall der Aderendhülsen angepasst sind, so dass sämtliche Größen zuverlässig erfassbar sind. Zum Aufnehmen der Aderendhülse 52 können die Greiferarme 82, 84 in Pfeilrichtung, d. h., in Vertikalrichtung auseinander gefahren werden. Diese Auseinanderfahrbewegung erfolgt pneumatisch über jeweils einen Greiferzylinder 90, 92, der die Öffnungs- und Schließbewegung der Greiferarme 82, 84 steuert. Die Druckluftversorgung der Greiferzylinder 90, 92 erfolgt über die Gliederkette 40. Die entsprechenden Anschlusselemente sind in Figur 10 sichtbar. Figure 9 shows an individual representation of the shuttle 24 with the associated guide elements. As explained, the shuttle 24 is guided along the guide column 30 with a shuttle slide 78 that can be moved in the vertical direction. The drive takes place by means of an electric motor via the shuttle drive 32, the drive axis of which is offset by 90 ° with respect to the vertical axis, so that a corresponding deflection in the drive train is required in order to travel with the slide 78. The carriage 78 carries two superimposed (view according to the embodiment shown) Figure 9 ) Grippers 56, 80, each having two gripper arms 82, 84 (see Figure 10 ). At their end section, these gripper arms 82, 84 each have two gripping recesses 86, 88 which are adapted to the contour of the contact elements to be processed, in the present case the wire end sleeves, so that all sizes can be reliably detected. To receive the wire end sleeve 52, the gripper arms 82, 84 can be moved apart in the direction of the arrow, ie in the vertical direction. This movement apart takes place pneumatically via a gripper cylinder 90, 92, which controls the opening and closing movement of the gripper arms 82, 84. The gripper cylinders 90, 92 are supplied with compressed air via the link chain 40. The corresponding connection elements are shown in FIG Figure 10 visible.

Dabei können die Greiferarme 82, 84 scherenförmig oder parallel zueinander bewegt werden um die Aderendhülse 52 aufzunehmen.The gripper arms 82, 84 can be moved in a scissor-like manner or parallel to one another in order to accommodate the wire end sleeve 52.

Der in den Figuren 9 und 10 dargestellte zweite Greifer 80 kann beispielsweise dazu verwendet werden, um eine weitere Aderendhülse oder ein sonstiges Kontaktteil, das durchaus einen anderen Querschnitt als die Aderendhülse 52 haben kann zu übernehmen um nach dem Vercrimpen der Aderendhülse 52 mit einem Ende des Kabels die über den Greifer 80 entnommene Aderendhülse oder das sonstige Kontaktelement auf das andere Ende dieses Kabels aufzusetzen.The one in the Figures 9 and 10th The second gripper 80 shown can be used, for example, to take over a further wire end sleeve or another contact part, which may have a different cross section than the wire end sleeve 52, in order to crimp the wire end sleeve 52 with one end of the cable and remove it via the gripper 80 Place ferrule or other contact element on the other end of this cable.

Das Crimpen erfolgt über den in den Figuren 11 und 12 in Einzeldarstellung gezeigten Crimpkopf 26. Dieser hat vier etwa um 90° zueinander versetzte Crimpbacken 94a, 94b, 94c und 94d, die in Figur 11 in ihrer Öffnungsposition gezeigt sind. Über das Shuttle 24 wird die zu vercrimpende Aderendhülse 52 in die dargestellte Crimpposition verfahren. Dabei hält der jeweilige Greifer 56 die Aderendhülse 52 an ihrem Kunststoffkragen, während die vier Crimpbacken 94a bis 94d an einem mit dem Kunststoffkragen verbundenen Röhrchen angreifen. Das abisolierte Kabelende wird über die Zentriereinrichtung 22 oder genauer gesagt über die in die richtige Relativposition verfahrene Zentrieröffnung in die Aderendhülse 52 eingeführt und anschließend der Crimpkopf 26 angesteuert, so dass sich die vier Crimpbacken 94a bis 94d in Radialrichtung nach innen bewegen und den Umformvorgang einleiten. Die Crimpkraft wird über einen Crimpzylinder 96 aufgebracht, der vorzugsweise elektromotorisch betätigt ist. An einem Crimpkolben 98 des Crimpzylinders 96 ist ein Kulissenkörper 100 geführt, an dem insgesamt vier Kulissen 102 in der gleichen Teilung wie die Crimpbacken 94 ausgebildet sind. In der Ansicht gemäß Figur 12 ist lediglich eine Kulisse 102a sichtbar. In der der Darstellung gemäß Figur 11 sind neben dieser Kulisse 102a zwei weitere Kulissen 102b, 102c zu sehen. Eine vierte Kulisse ist in den Darstellungen gemäß den Figuren 11 und 12 nach unten hin orientiert und nicht sichtbar.The crimping is done in the Figures 11 and 12th shown individually in crimp head 26. This has four crimp jaws 94a, 94b, 94c and 94d which are offset by approximately 90 ° to one another and which are shown in Figure 11 are shown in their open position. About the Shuttle 24 will move the ferrule 52 to be crimped into the crimping position shown. The respective gripper 56 holds the wire end sleeve 52 on its plastic collar, while the four crimping jaws 94a to 94d engage a tube connected to the plastic collar. The stripped cable end is inserted into the wire end sleeve 52 via the centering device 22 or more precisely via the centering opening moved into the correct relative position, and the crimping head 26 is then actuated, so that the four crimping jaws 94a to 94d move radially inward and initiate the forming process. The crimping force is applied via a crimping cylinder 96, which is preferably actuated by an electric motor. A link body 100 is guided on a crimping piston 98 of the crimping cylinder 96, on which a total of four links 102 are formed in the same division as the crimping jaws 94. According to the view Figure 12 only a backdrop 102a is visible. According to the illustration Figure 11 In addition to this backdrop 102a, two further backdrops 102b, 102c can be seen. A fourth backdrop is in the representations according to the Figures 11 and 12th oriented downwards and not visible.

Beim Ausfahren des Crimpkolbens 98 werden über die Kulissen 102 Crimphebel 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d verschwenkt, um die Crimpbacken 94a bis 94d zu verstellen. Diese Crimphebel 104 sind verschwenkbar in einer Platte 106 gehalten und liegen jeweils mit ihrem Endabschnitt über eine Rolle 108 an der zugeordneten Kulisse 102 an. Der andere Endabschnitt der Crimphebel 104 durchsetzt Schrägschlitze 110a, 110b, 110c bzw. 110d einer Frontplatte 112, wobei an den in der Ansicht nach Figur 11 aus der Frontplatte 112 vorstehenden Endabschnitten die Crimpbacken 94a bis 94d ausgebildet sind. Die Schrägschlitze 110a bis 110d ermöglichen die Radialverstellung der Crimpbacken 94a bis 94d.When the crimping piston 98 is extended, crimp levers 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d are pivoted over the links 102 in order to adjust the crimping jaws 94a to 94d. These crimping levers 104 are pivotably held in a plate 106 and each end portion rests against the associated link 102 via a roller 108. The other end portion of the crimping levers 104 passes through oblique slots 110a, 110b, 110c and 110d of a front plate 112, the view of which on the Figure 11 the crimping jaws 94a to 94d are formed from the end sections projecting from the front plate 112. The oblique slots 110a to 110d enable the radial adjustment of the crimping jaws 94a to 94d.

Wie aus den Figuren 11 und 12 entnehmbar ist, vergrößert sich der Axialabstand der Kulissen 102 von der Achse des Crimpkolbens 98 zum Crimpzylinder 96 hin. Fährt nun der Crimpkolben 98 aus, so werden die Crimphebel 104 über die auf der jeweiligen Kulisse 102 abwälzenden Rollen 108 mit zunehmenden Hub verschwenkt, wobei der kulissenkörperseitige Endabschnitt der Crimphebel 104 in Radialrichtung nach außen verschwenkt wird und entsprechend der crimpbackenseitige Endabschnitt nach innen einschwenkt und somit die plastische Verformung der Aderendhülse bewirkt. Dieses nach innen schwenken ist durch die schräg angestellten Schrägschlitze 110 in der Frontplatte 112 ermöglicht. Nach dem Crimpvorgang fährt der Crimpkolben 98 wieder ein, so dass entsprechend die Crimpbacken 94 auseinanderfahren und die vercrimpte Einheit über ein geeignetes Handlingsgerät oder dergleichen entnommen werden kann und einem weiteren Verarbeitungsschritt zugeführt wird.Like from the Figures 11 and 12th can be removed, the axial distance between the links 102 increases from the axis of the crimping piston 98 to the crimping cylinder 96. If the crimping piston 98 now extends, the crimping levers 104 are pivoted with increasing stroke via the rollers 108 rolling on the respective link 102, the end portion of the crimping lever 104 on the link body side being pivoted outward in the radial direction and correspondingly pivoting the end portion on the crimping jaw inward and thus pivoting inward causes the plastic deformation of the ferrule. This Swiveling inwards is made possible by the inclined slanted slots 110 in the front plate 112. After the crimping process, the crimping piston 98 retracts again, so that the crimping jaws 94 move apart accordingly and the crimped unit can be removed using a suitable handling device or the like and is fed to a further processing step.

Der Hub des Crimpzylinders 96 kann optional vom Querschnitt der zu verarbeitenden Bauelemente abhängig sein.The stroke of the crimping cylinder 96 can optionally depend on the cross section of the components to be processed.

Die gesamte Crimpeinheit ist über eine rückwärtige Stützplatte 114, die Platte 106 und die Crimplatte 112 an der Grundplatte 19 des Gehäuses abgestützt. Die beiden Platten 106, 114 sind über Zugstreben 116 miteinander verbunden. Zwischen der Platte 106 und der Crimpplatte 112 erstrecken sich mehrere Verbindungsbolzen 118.The entire crimping unit is supported on the base plate 19 of the housing via a rear support plate 114, the plate 106 and the criming plate 112. The two plates 106, 114 are connected to one another via tension struts 116. A plurality of connecting bolts 118 extend between the plate 106 and the crimping plate 112.

Die erfindungsgemäße Crimpmaschine 1 ist so ausgeführt, dass über jedes Trommelmagazin 2 und jede zugeordnete Fördereinheit 8 bzw. Führungsbahn 6 jeder zu verarbeitende Querschnitt zugeführt werden kann.The crimping machine 1 according to the invention is designed such that each cross-section to be processed can be fed via each drum magazine 2 and each assigned conveyor unit 8 or guide track 6.

Durch entsprechende Programmierung der Steuereinheit über das Bedienfeld 12 kann eine vorbestimmte Sequenz eingestellt werden, über die unterschiedliche Aderendhülsen/Kontaktelemente mit unterschiedlichen Kabeln konfektioniert werden können. Dies setzt allerdings voraus, dass die zu bearbeitenden Kabel in der vorgegebenen Reihenfolge automatisch oder von Hand zugeführt werden.By appropriate programming of the control unit via the control panel 12, a predetermined sequence can be set, via which different wire end sleeves / contact elements can be assembled with different cables. However, this presupposes that the cables to be processed are fed automatically or manually in the specified order.

Je nach über das Bedienfeld 12 vorgegebener Fertigungsaufgabe wird die Zentriereinrichtung 22 über den Zentrierantrieb 34 mit der zugehörigen Zuführöffnung 20 mit Bezug zur Crimpposition, d. h., zur Achse des Crimpkopfs 16 ausgerichtet. Gleichzeitig wird über die Fördereinheit 8, die dem zu vercrimpenden Kontaktelement zugeordnet ist, das betreffende Gurtband um einen Schritt in Richtung zur Übergabeposition verfahren, so dass die am Ende angeordnete Aderendhülse 52 in dieser Übergabeposition angeordnet ist. Über den Shuttleantrieb 32 wird dann der Greifer 56 zur Übergabeposition gefahren und durch Ansteuerung der Greiferzylinder 90, 92 die Aderendhülse entlang der Greiferausnehmungen 86, 88 gehalten. Nach dieser Festlegung der Aderendhülse 52 führt die Schneideinrichtung 54 mit der Messerplatte 68 einen Horizontalhub hin zum Gurtband aus, wobei lediglich das der betreffenden Aderendhülse zugeordnete Schneidmesser 66 in Wirkeingriff gelangt. Nach dem Abtrennen der Aderendhülse vom Gurtband wird diese über das Shuttle in die Crimpposition zwischen die Crimpbacken 94 gefahren und dann über die Zuführöffnung 20 das abisolierte Kabelende eingeführt. Das Einführen kann über einen Sensor erfasst werden, so dass nach dem Einführen der Crimpkopf 26 in der vorbeschriebenen Weise betätigt wird, um die Aderendhülse mit dem Kabelende zu vercrimpen.Depending on the manufacturing task specified via the control panel 12, the centering device 22 is aligned via the centering drive 34 with the associated feed opening 20 with reference to the crimping position, ie to the axis of the crimping head 16. At the same time, the belt strap in question is moved one step in the direction of the transfer position via the conveyor unit 8, which is assigned to the contact element to be crimped, so that the end sleeve 52 arranged at the end is arranged in this transfer position. The gripper 56 is then moved to the transfer position via the shuttle drive 32 and the wire end sleeve is held along the gripper recesses 86, 88 by actuating the gripper cylinders 90, 92. After this determination of the ferrule 52, the cutting device 54 carries out a horizontal stroke with the knife plate 68 towards the belt webbing, only the cutting knife 66 associated with the relevant wire end sleeve coming into active engagement. After the wire end sleeve has been separated from the webbing, it is moved via the shuttle into the crimping position between the crimping jaws 94 and then the stripped cable end is introduced via the feed opening 20. The insertion can be detected by a sensor, so that after the insertion, the crimping head 26 is operated in the manner described above in order to crimp the wire end sleeve to the cable end.

Offenbart ist eine Crimpmaschine mit einer Vielzahl von Magazinen für Kontaktelemente, die über eine Fördereinrichtung zu einer Übergabeposition transportierbar sind. Mittels einer Transporteinrichtung wird ein zu vercrimpendes Bauteil dann von der Übergabeposition in eine Crimpposition gebracht. Diese Transporteinrichtung ist allen Speicheranordnungen zugeordnet.What is disclosed is a crimping machine with a multiplicity of magazines for contact elements, which can be transported to a transfer position via a conveyor device. A component to be crimped is then brought from the transfer position into a crimping position by means of a transport device. This transport device is assigned to all storage arrangements.

Bezugszeichenliste:Reference symbol list:

11
CrimpmaschineCrimping machine
22nd
TrommelmagazinDrum magazine
44th
MagazinhalterMagazine holder
66
FührungsbahnGuideway
88th
FördereinheitConveyor unit
1010th
Gehäusecasing
1212th
BedienfeldControl panel
1414
Schlosslock
1616
Abdeckungcover
1818th
Anschlussconnection
1919th
GrundplatteBase plate
2020th
ZuführöffnungFeed opening
2222
ZentriereinrichtungCentering device
2424th
ShuttleShuttle
2626
CrimpkopfCrimping head
2828
AnschlussklemmenTerminals
3030th
FührungssäuleGuide pillar
3232
ShuttleantriebShuttle drive
3434
ZentrierantriebCentering drive
3636
Konsoleconsole
3838
VertikalführungVertical guidance
4040
GliederketteLink chain
4242
ZentrierbackenCentering jaws
4444
ZentrierbackenCentering jaws
4646
ZentrieröffnungCentering opening
4848
SchließantriebClosing drive
5050
SchließantriebClosing drive
5252
AderendhülseWire end ferrule
5454
SchneideinrichtungCutting device
5656
GreiferGripper
5858
FangtrichterCatch funnel
6060
SammelbehälterCollection container
6262
SchneidbalkenCutting bar
6464
PneumatikzylinderPneumatic cylinder
6666
SchneidmesserCutting knife
6868
MesserplatteKnife plate
7070
FührungsblockGuide block
7272
FührungsblockGuide block
7474
StützkonsoleSupport bracket
7676
LanglochLong hole
7878
Schlittencarriage
8080
GreiferGripper
8282
GreiferarmGripper arm
8484
GreiferarmGripper arm
8686
GreifausnehmungGripping recess
8888
GreifausnehmungGripping recess
9090
GreiferzylinderGripper cylinder
9292
GreiferzylinderGripper cylinder
9494
CrimpbackenCrimp jaws
9696
CrimpzylinderCrimp cylinder
9898
CrimpkolbenCrimping iron
100100
KulissenkörperBackdrop body
102102
KulisseBackdrop
104104
CrimphebelCrimping lever
106106
Platteplate
108108
Rollerole
110110
SchrägschlitzSlanted slot
112112
FrontplatteFront panel
114114
StützplatteSupport plate
116116
ZugstrebeTension strut
118118
VerbindungsbolzenConnecting bolt

Claims (13)

  1. A crimping machine for crimping contact elements with an end portion of a conductor, for instance, a cable end, comprising a storage arrangement for the contact elements, a transport device for feeding the contact elements to a crimping head (16), and a centering device (22) for the conductor, wherein at least two storages, preferably five storages, are provided to which a common transport unit is assigned for transporting a contact element from a transfer position to a crimping position, wherein the transport device has a shuttle (24) for taking over the contact element being in the transfer position and for transporting it to the crimping head (26), characterized in that the shuttle (24) has two grippers (56, 80) arranged in parallel, wherein one is gripping the contact element being in the transfer position and the second one is gripping a contact element to be crimped in a subsequent operation.
  2. The crimping machine according to claim 1, wherein each storage is assigned to a conveyor unit (8) for conveying a contact element to be crimped to the transfer position.
  3. The crimping machine according to claim 1, wherein the shuttle (24) has at least one gripper (56, 80) engaging on the contact element, preferably transversely to the longitudinal axis of the contact element.
  4. The crimping machine according to claim 3, wherein the shuttle (24) is guided along a guide such that it is movable in one plane from the transfer position to the crimping position.
  5. The crimping machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact elements are each arranged as a belt strap on a drum magazine.
  6. The crimping machine according to claim 5, comprising a cutting device (54) for separating the contact element being in the transfer position from the belt strap.
  7. The crimping machine according to claim 6, wherein the cutting device (54) has a number of cutting knives (66) corresponding to the number of storages.
  8. The crimping machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the centering device (22) has a plurality of centering apertures (46) adapted to be orientated along a guide with respect to the crimping position.
  9. The crimping machine according to claim 8, wherein the centering device (22) has two centering jaws (42, 44) which are adapted to be moved apart for removing the crimped component.
  10. The crimping machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transfer positions of the conveyor units (8) are positioned on top of each other and the gripper(s) (56, 80) is/are movable between the transport planes predetermined by the conveyor units (8), and the cutting device (54) is movable transversely thereto, i.e. in parallel to the axis of the crimping head (24) and/or the centering device (22).
  11. The crimping machine according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a cover (16) for covering the crimping area and a safety circuit interrupting the energy supply and the equipment supply in the case of undesired opening of the cover (16), and a set-up circuit enabling to check the function of the crimping machine when the cover (16) is open.
  12. The crimping machine according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a feeding unit for feeding the conductor, preferably the cable end, to the crimping position.
  13. The crimping machine according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a control unit for controlling the transport unit such that a contact element being in a transfer position is taken over and is movable to the crimping position.
EP16703531.0A 2015-02-12 2016-02-05 Crimping machine Active EP3257117B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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DE102015102060.2A DE102015102060A1 (en) 2015-02-12 2015-02-12 crimping Machine
PCT/EP2016/052567 WO2016128331A1 (en) 2015-02-12 2016-02-05 Crimping machine

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EP3257117A1 EP3257117A1 (en) 2017-12-20
EP3257117B1 true EP3257117B1 (en) 2020-04-01

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US (1) US11121516B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3257117B1 (en)
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WO (1) WO2016128331A1 (en)

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US11121516B2 (en) 2021-09-14
DE102015102060A1 (en) 2016-08-18
US20180034225A1 (en) 2018-02-01
EP3257117A1 (en) 2017-12-20
WO2016128331A1 (en) 2016-08-18

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